The Gippslander - 6th - 9th October 2023 (SOLD OUT)
Join Steamrail Victoria as we venture east for an extended weekend featuring steam train rides in Sale and Bairnsdale. This historic journey will see steam return to Bairnsdale for the first time since 2005!
Tickets are available for one way journeys between Melbourne and Gippsland and vice versa on our heritage train hauled by steam locomotives R761 and A2 986. Return home via a connecting V/Line service or make a weekend of it and explore Gippsland onboard The Vintage Train.
All one way trips are timed to meet with regular V/Line services so you can return at your leisure.
Tickets are available for one way journeys between Melbourne and Gippsland and vice versa on our heritage train hauled by steam locomotives R761 and A2 986. Return home via a connecting V/Line service or make a weekend of it and explore Gippsland onboard The Vintage Train.
All one way trips are timed to meet with regular V/Line services so you can return at your leisure.
Things to do on your journey can be found at Visit Gippsland.
THE GIPPSLANDER – Melbourne to Sale and Bairnsdale to Melbourne update
Unfortunately, we have been advised we are not permitted to use the new platform for our stops at Traralgon. Due to this we must make changes to our passenger arrangements on The Gippslander for Friday 6th and Monday 9th October.
Passengers will not be permitted to board or leave the train at Traralgon in either direction.
We apologise for these altered arrangements which are out of Steamrail’s control. Please see below:
FRIDAY 6th OCTOBER - MELBOURNE to SALE
Departing Southern Cross Station at 11:26am, Flinders Street Station at 11:33am or Dandenong Station at 12:20pm, the train will head out through the rapidly expanding southeastern suburbs. Reminiscent of the glory days of 'The Gippslander' an express run will be had towards the Latrobe Valley. After flying non-stop beyond the overhead and leaving the suburbs behind, our train will enter the lush farming country of West Gippsland. Between Longwarry & Drouin the double headed steam engines will work hard as we climb the lengthy 1 in 50 Longwarry Bank. The first set down stop will be Warragul at 1:30pm.
The train will then continue onto the floor of the Latrobe Valley, skirted by the Great Dividing Range and the Strzelecki Ranges. Continue to relax onboard the train as the locomotives work hard to tackle the steep grades of the mysterious Haunted Hills. After topping the climb at Hernes Oak, we will make a stop in Morwell at 2:07pm. We will then run the final leg of our day's journey, arriving at Sale at 5:40pm.
V/Line services connecting back to Melbourne can be boarded at Warragul, Morwell, or Sale.
Departing Southern Cross Station at 11:26am, Flinders Street Station at 11:33am or Dandenong Station at 12:20pm, the train will head out through the rapidly expanding southeastern suburbs. Reminiscent of the glory days of 'The Gippslander' an express run will be had towards the Latrobe Valley. After flying non-stop beyond the overhead and leaving the suburbs behind, our train will enter the lush farming country of West Gippsland. Between Longwarry & Drouin the double headed steam engines will work hard as we climb the lengthy 1 in 50 Longwarry Bank. The first set down stop will be Warragul at 1:30pm.
The train will then continue onto the floor of the Latrobe Valley, skirted by the Great Dividing Range and the Strzelecki Ranges. Continue to relax onboard the train as the locomotives work hard to tackle the steep grades of the mysterious Haunted Hills. After topping the climb at Hernes Oak, we will make a stop in Morwell at 2:07pm. We will then run the final leg of our day's journey, arriving at Sale at 5:40pm.
V/Line services connecting back to Melbourne can be boarded at Warragul, Morwell, or Sale.
SATURDAY 7th OCTOBER - SALE SHUTTLES
Climb aboard as we operate our popular steam train shuttles from Sale Station on a 1 hour return journey. A perfect train ride for the whole family.
Take a seat in our heritage compartment style carriages with beautiful wood veneer panelling, pressed tin ceilings and opening windows to fully experience the steam era!
After departing Sale, we will head north out of town. Wave to the onlookers as we parallel the Princes Highway, pass over the new Avon River bridge and make our presence known through the town of Stratford. Take in the countryside from the comfort of your compartment as we arrive near the tiny town of Munro, before heading back at a faster pace and returning to Sale.
Climb aboard as we operate our popular steam train shuttles from Sale Station on a 1 hour return journey. A perfect train ride for the whole family.
Take a seat in our heritage compartment style carriages with beautiful wood veneer panelling, pressed tin ceilings and opening windows to fully experience the steam era!
After departing Sale, we will head north out of town. Wave to the onlookers as we parallel the Princes Highway, pass over the new Avon River bridge and make our presence known through the town of Stratford. Take in the countryside from the comfort of your compartment as we arrive near the tiny town of Munro, before heading back at a faster pace and returning to Sale.
Due to altered V/Line trains, Shuttle 3 at 12.15pm and Shuttle 5 at 4.00pm have been altered to run towards Rosedale.
All shuttles depart from and return to Sale Station. Passengers will not be able to join/leave the train during the journey
All shuttles depart from and return to Sale Station. Passengers will not be able to join/leave the train during the journey
SUNDAY 8th OCTOBER - SALE to BAIRNSDALE
This historical journey will mark the first steam hauled journey to Bairnsdale since 2005, and the first visit for an A2 in over 60 years. Departing Sale at 9:00am, we will make the short journey to the eastern extent of the V/Line network. As we pass though Stratford, we will view the junction for the now closed line to Maffra and travel over the new Avon River bridge. After waving to the locals of Stratford we will pass through the tiny towns of Munro, Fernbank and Lindenow South before arriving into the city of Bairnsdale at 10:25am.
Explore Bairnsdale, ride on our local steam shuttles, or return home on a connecting V/Line service at your leisure.
The V/Line service connecting back to Sale departs at 4:53pm.
This historical journey will mark the first steam hauled journey to Bairnsdale since 2005, and the first visit for an A2 in over 60 years. Departing Sale at 9:00am, we will make the short journey to the eastern extent of the V/Line network. As we pass though Stratford, we will view the junction for the now closed line to Maffra and travel over the new Avon River bridge. After waving to the locals of Stratford we will pass through the tiny towns of Munro, Fernbank and Lindenow South before arriving into the city of Bairnsdale at 10:25am.
Explore Bairnsdale, ride on our local steam shuttles, or return home on a connecting V/Line service at your leisure.
The V/Line service connecting back to Sale departs at 4:53pm.
SUNDAY 8th OCTOBER - BAIRNSDALE SHUTTLES
Climb aboard as we operate our popular steam train shuttles from Bairnsdale Station. Operating on a 1 hour return journey, this is a perfect train ride for the whole family.
Take a seat in our heritage compartment style carriages with beautiful wood veneer panelling, pressed tin ceilings and opening windows to fully experience the steam era!
After departing Bairnsdale, we will head West. Wave to the onlookers as we head out of town and across the Princes Highway. Take in the countryside from the comfort of your compartment as we pass through Hillside and arrive near the tiny town of Lindenow South, before heading back to Bairnsdale at a more leisurely pace.
All shuttles depart from and return to Bairnsdale Station. Passengers will not be able to join/leave the train during the journey.
Climb aboard as we operate our popular steam train shuttles from Bairnsdale Station. Operating on a 1 hour return journey, this is a perfect train ride for the whole family.
Take a seat in our heritage compartment style carriages with beautiful wood veneer panelling, pressed tin ceilings and opening windows to fully experience the steam era!
After departing Bairnsdale, we will head West. Wave to the onlookers as we head out of town and across the Princes Highway. Take in the countryside from the comfort of your compartment as we pass through Hillside and arrive near the tiny town of Lindenow South, before heading back to Bairnsdale at a more leisurely pace.
All shuttles depart from and return to Bairnsdale Station. Passengers will not be able to join/leave the train during the journey.
MONDAY 9th OCTOBER - BAIRNSDALE TO SALE
Ticketed at a reduced rate for the locals, join us on part of our journey back to Melbourne. Departing Bairnsdale at 8:50am, we will return west, arriving in Sale at 10:00am.
The V/Line service connecting back to Bairnsdale departs at 10:21.
Ticketed at a reduced rate for the locals, join us on part of our journey back to Melbourne. Departing Bairnsdale at 8:50am, we will return west, arriving in Sale at 10:00am.
The V/Line service connecting back to Bairnsdale departs at 10:21.
MONDAY 9th OCTOBER - BAIRNSDALE to SALE or MELBOURNE
Departing Bairnsdale at 8:50am, join us as we make a day of the journey back to Melbourne. We will make our first stop at Sale at 10:00am to cross the morning V/Line train before continuing onto Rosedale arriving at 10:48am. Relax back on the train as our locomotives begin their sprint westward on a course for home. We will make a brief stop at Warragul at 12:47pm before running express to Dandenong setting down at 2:18pm, Flinders Street at 3:03pm and Southern Cross at 3:12pm.
V/Line services connecting back to Bairnsdale can be boarded at Sale, Warragul, or Southern Cross.
V/Line services connecting back to Traralgon can be boarded at Warragul, Dandenong, Flinders Street or Southern Cross.
Departing Bairnsdale at 8:50am, join us as we make a day of the journey back to Melbourne. We will make our first stop at Sale at 10:00am to cross the morning V/Line train before continuing onto Rosedale arriving at 10:48am. Relax back on the train as our locomotives begin their sprint westward on a course for home. We will make a brief stop at Warragul at 12:47pm before running express to Dandenong setting down at 2:18pm, Flinders Street at 3:03pm and Southern Cross at 3:12pm.
V/Line services connecting back to Bairnsdale can be boarded at Sale, Warragul, or Southern Cross.
V/Line services connecting back to Traralgon can be boarded at Warragul, Dandenong, Flinders Street or Southern Cross.
- THE VINTAGE TRAIN -
Ride with us onboard 'The Vintage Train’, fully restored by Steamrail as an important part of Victoria’s rail heritage. Our steam locomotives are coal or oil fired and date from 1889 to 1952, while the carriages range from as early as 1906. The train features beautiful timber work & pressed-tin ceilings, walk-through corridors, opening windows and comfortable compartment style seating.
- ON-TRAIN SERVICES -
Our on-train facilities include a kiosk which stocks a wide range of light refreshments, snacks and hot & cold drinks. A licensed bar will also be operating, serving a range of beers, wines and spirits. A range of souvenirs will also be able for purchase on board.
Our on-train facilities include a kiosk which stocks a wide range of light refreshments, snacks and hot & cold drinks. A licensed bar will also be operating, serving a range of beers, wines and spirits. A range of souvenirs will also be able for purchase on board.
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- BOOKINGS AND REFUNDS -
Any passengers who experience any symptoms of COVID-19 prior to or on the day of travel, are not permitted to travel with us. Please contact us by replying to the email sent by Steamrail Victoria with your ticket details sent via TryBooking, to request a full refund of the ticket price* prior to travel. -
* NOTE: All COVID-19 related refunds are of the ticket price only, this excludes TryBooking service fees as per their Terms and Conditions. Non COVID-19 related refund requests are per Steamrail's Terms and Conditions at located on the Steamrail Website.
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- - TIMETABLE -
<< SUBJECT TO CHANGE >> PLEASE CHECK THE FINAL TIMES AS SHOWN ON YOUR SEATING ALLOCATION WHICH WILL BE EMAILED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO THE TOUR OPERATING.
FRIDAY 6th OCTOBER - MELBOURNE TO SALE
11:26am dep. Southern Cross – Meets the 6:14am V/Line from Bairnsdale and 8:10am from Traralgon.
11:33am dep. Flinders Street
12:20pm dep. Dandenong
1:30pm arr. Warragul – Meets the 2:04pm V/Line to Southern Cross.
2:07pm arr. Morwell – Meets the 2:35pm V/Line to Southern Cross.
2:23pm – 4:30pm Traralgon – Passengers will not be permitted to board or leave the train here.
5:40pm arr. Sale – Meets the 7:00pm V/Line to Southern Cross.
11:26am dep. Southern Cross – Meets the 6:14am V/Line from Bairnsdale and 8:10am from Traralgon.
11:33am dep. Flinders Street
12:20pm dep. Dandenong
1:30pm arr. Warragul – Meets the 2:04pm V/Line to Southern Cross.
2:07pm arr. Morwell – Meets the 2:35pm V/Line to Southern Cross.
2:23pm – 4:30pm Traralgon – Passengers will not be permitted to board or leave the train here.
5:40pm arr. Sale – Meets the 7:00pm V/Line to Southern Cross.
SATURDAY 7th OCTOBER - SALE SHUTTLES
Please note the Session time on the top of your ticket.
Please note the Session time on the top of your ticket.
| Depart | Arrive | |
| Sale Shuttle 1 | 9:15AM | 10:12AM |
| Sale Shuttle 2 | 10:20AM | 11:15AM |
| Sale Shuttle 3 | 12:15PM | 1:14PM |
| Sale Shuttle 4 | 2:00PM | 2:57PM |
| Sale Shuttle 5 | 4:00PM | 4:59PM |
SUNDAY 8th OCTOBER - SALE TO BAIRNSDALE
9:00am dep. Sale
10:25am arr. Bairnsdale – Meets the 4:53pm V/Line to Sale and Southern Cross.
9:00am dep. Sale
10:25am arr. Bairnsdale – Meets the 4:53pm V/Line to Sale and Southern Cross.
SUNDAY 8th OCTOBER - BAIRNSDALE SHUTTLES
Please note the Session time on the top of your ticket.
Please note the Session time on the top of your ticket.
| Depart | Arrive | |
| Bairnsdale Shuttle 1 | 12:05PM | 1:15PM |
| Bairnsdale Shuttle 2 | 1:25PM | 2:20PM |
| Bairnsdale Shuttle 3 | 2:30PM | 3:25PM |
| Bairnsdale Shuttle 4 | 3:35PM | 4:30PM |
MONDAY 9th OCTOBER - BAIRNSDALE TO SALE or MELBOURNE
8:50am dep. Bairnsdale
10:00am arr. Sale – Meets the 10:21am V/Line to Bairnsdale.
10:48am arr Rosedale – Meets the 7:17am V/Line from Southern Cross.
11:13am – 11:52am Traralgon – Passengers will not be permitted to board or leave the train here.
12:47pm arr. Warragul – Meets the 1:03pm V/Line to Traralgon and 3:03pm to Bairnsdale.
2:18pm arr. Dandenong
3:03pm arr. Flinders Street
3:12pm arr. Southern Cross – Meets the 4:17pm V/Line to Traralgon and 6:33pm to Bairnsdale.
8:50am dep. Bairnsdale
10:00am arr. Sale – Meets the 10:21am V/Line to Bairnsdale.
10:48am arr Rosedale – Meets the 7:17am V/Line from Southern Cross.
11:13am – 11:52am Traralgon – Passengers will not be permitted to board or leave the train here.
12:47pm arr. Warragul – Meets the 1:03pm V/Line to Traralgon and 3:03pm to Bairnsdale.
2:18pm arr. Dandenong
3:03pm arr. Flinders Street
3:12pm arr. Southern Cross – Meets the 4:17pm V/Line to Traralgon and 6:33pm to Bairnsdale.
Location
Southern Cross, Sale and Bairnsdale Stations.
Contact Details
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The Gippslander - 6th - 9th October 2023 (SOLD OUT)
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